The CERCA system is taking an important step forward. In a meeting with the directors of the 42 CERCA centres, held on Wednesday 18 February, the Minister for Research and Universities, Núria Montserrat, announced a significant increase in baseline funding: an additional €25 million per year, reinforcing the centres’ stability and their capacity for long-term planning.
A new evaluation model to drive excellence
The budget increase will come into effect this year and will be accompanied by a new evaluation model aligned with the mandate of Catalonia’s Science Act (Law 9/2022). The new system will allocate resources based on criteria such as scientific excellence, quality and social impact. Each centre will receive a fixed amount of between €100,000 and €150,000, supplemented by a variable portion linked to objective indicators.
According to Minister Montserrat, “Catalonia’s research system is one of the country’s great strengths and a key part of our knowledge model.” The aim is clear: to enable centres to anticipate global challenges, forge strategic alliances and compete at the highest international level.
Implementing the strategic pillars of the Science Act
The additional resources will accelerate the development of the Science Act’s priority areas, including excellent research, open science, gender equality, integrity, sustainability, knowledge transfer and the strengthening of the Catalan language in the scientific sphere. This boost will help reinforce Catalonia’s role as a European benchmark in research and innovation.
New Joan Guinovart grant programme
During the meeting, a new funding scheme was also presented: the Joan Guinovart call. With a budget of €800,000 over two years, it will fund six annual strategic research programmes co-led by two or more CERCA centres and at least one Catalan university.
This initiative aims to strengthen institutional collaboration, stimulate large-scale projects and support the ongoing implementation of the Science Act across the entire system.
With this double move—more resources and a stronger strategic vision—Catalonia consolidates an ambitious research model, while enhancing the international competitiveness of its centres and their ability to attract and retain talent.
